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Location & Contact Details

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address:

West Catholic High School
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Events Calendar

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Instrumental and Vocal Music

Program Goal: All students will experience the understanding, the appreciation and the creation of the Fine Arts in a Catholic/Christian setting for lifelong learning. Students will develop the following skills:

  • Expressing oneself creatively in various media in the visual and performing arts
  • Communicating with others through the language of the arts
  • Respecting the rights of others’ artistic expression
  • Critically evaluating the artistic works of self and others
  • Comprehending the arts in a historical and cultural context
  • Cultivating creative solutions to problems and opportunities
  • Learning to be a discerning artist while manifesting an open mind to the arts in everyday life

*All Instrumental and Vocal Music courses are elective courses; however, students must earn a minimum of 1 credit hour in either Computer Science courses, Engineering and Innovation courses, Fine Arts courses, Instrumental and Vocal Music, or Media Arts and Design courses (or a combination of these courses) prior to graduation.

Freshman Courses

Marching Band

Course Number:  MU025
Semester: 1
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  This course is available to all musicians who have actively studied an instrument and have attained a music proficiency level meeting the director’s standards set for incoming freshmen. This class consists of preparing for and executing several marching performances and the Christmas concert. Two full credits of Marching Band or Concert Band can be substituted for ½ credit of Physical Education.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Concert Band

Course Number:  MU026
Semester:  2
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Marching Band and Director Permission
Course Description:  This class consists of learning to play concert music at a high intrinsic level. This will be achieved through careful indoor rehearsals and performances. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Basic music theory and some music history will also be instructed. Marching Band first semester is required. Concert performances are required.

Jazz Band

Course Number:  MU027
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Current member of Marching Band, Concert Band or Choir and Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  Jazz Band students will further refine musical abilities through jazz on their primary or secondary instruments. Selections will be performed at concerts and at various events throughout the year. Jazz Band meets Mondays at 7:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 3:05 p.m. Auditions take place just after the beginning of the school year.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Music Appreciation

Course Number:  MU018
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  From Bach to Pop, music is appreciated, researched and analyzed. How is music used? Why is it important? How does it impact us? How does it reflect our culture, history and faith? Students will learn to listen to music critically and recognize both the positive and negative influences it can have. They will also learn of the various instruments used to make music, primarily in the western tradition.

Concert Choir

Course Number:  MU028
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  Basic vocal and choral techniques will be employed on a daily basis. Students will explore music theory and sight-reading as a way of understanding the musical language. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed. A desire to learn and perform music to the best of their ability should motivate students to enroll in this class. Selections will be performed at concerts, liturgies and other outside events throughout the year. These performances are required.

Concert Choir Zero Hour

Course Number:  MU028Z
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  See Concert Choir description (above). This course begins at 7:10 a.m. and is held Tuesday – Friday.

Requirements for ALL Choirs: Men and women are required to wear the pre-selected choir uniforms (black shirt, tuxedo pants and dresses). All are required to have black shoes and black socks.

Sophomore Courses

Marching Band

Course Number:  MU025
Semester: 1
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  This course is available to all musicians who have actively studied an instrument and have attained a music proficiency level meeting the director’s standards set for incoming freshmen. This class consists of preparing for and executing several marching performances and the Christmas concert. Two full credits of Marching Band or Concert Band can be substituted for ½ credit of Physical Education.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Concert Band

Course Number:  MU026
Semester:  2
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Marching Band and Director Permission
Course Description:  This class consists of learning to play concert music at a high intrinsic level. This will be achieved through careful indoor rehearsals and performances. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Basic music theory and some music history will also be instructed. Marching Band first semester is required. Concert performances are required.

Jazz Band

Course Number:  MU027
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Current member of Marching Band, Concert Band or Choir and Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  Jazz Band students will further refine musical abilities through jazz on their primary or secondary instruments. Selections will be performed at concerts and at various events throughout the year. Jazz Band meets Mondays at 7:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 3:05 p.m. Auditions take place just after the beginning of the school year.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Music Appreciation

Course Number:  MU018
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  From Bach to Pop, music is appreciated, researched and analyzed. How is music used? Why is it important? How does it impact us? How does it reflect our culture, history and faith? Students will learn to listen to music critically and recognize both the positive and negative influences it can have. They will also learn of the various instruments used to make music, primarily in the western tradition.

Concert Choir

Course Number:  MU028
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  Basic vocal and choral techniques will be employed on a daily basis. Students will explore music theory and sight-reading as a way of understanding the musical language. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed. A desire to learn and perform music to the best of their ability should motivate students to enroll in this class. Selections will be performed at concerts, liturgies and other outside events throughout the year. These performances are required.

Concert Choir Zero Hour

Course Number:  MU028Z
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  See Concert Choir description (above). This course begins at 7:10 a.m. and is held Tuesday – Friday.

Requirements for ALL Choirs: Men and Women are required to wear the pre-selected choir uniforms (black shirt, tuxedo pants, and dresses). All are required to have black shoes and black socks.

Junior Courses

Marching Band

Course Number:  MU025
Semester: 1
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  This course is available to all musicians who have actively studied an instrument and have attained a music proficiency level meeting the director’s standards set for incoming freshmen. This class consists of preparing for and executing several marching performances and the Christmas concert. Two full credits of Marching Band or Concert Band can be substituted for ½ credit of Physical Education.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Concert Band

Course Number:  MU026
Semester:  2
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Marching Band and Director Permission
Course Description:  This class consists of learning to play concert music at a high intrinsic level. This will be achieved through careful indoor rehearsals and performances. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Basic music theory and some music history will also be instructed. Marching Band first semester is required. Concert performances are required.

Jazz Band

Course Number:  MU027
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Current member of Marching Band, Concert Band or Choir and Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  Jazz Band students will further refine musical abilities through jazz on their primary or secondary instruments. Selections will be performed at concerts and at various events throughout the year. Jazz Band meets Mondays at 7:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 3:05 p.m. Auditions take place just after the beginning of the school year.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Robotics 2

Course Number:  C145
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Course may be repeated for credit only)
Prerequisite:  Robotics I or Teacher Approval
Course Description:  In Robotics II students will further apply the safety, design, building, and programming skills learned in Robotics I.  Additional emphasis will be placed on the design process, team objectives, team specialization, communication, strategy, and optimization.  Students will work in partnership with the West Catholic FIRST Robotics team (Enigma #2075) on various design and competition challenges. Experience with mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and control systems will all be applied through the design and development of a robot that will meet unique design challenges. Individuals or small teams may choose to participate in organized robotic competitions or develop their own events during the course. Students will also explore collegiate programs of study and careers in related industries.

Music Appreciation

Course Number:  MU018
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  From Bach to Pop, music is appreciated, researched and analyzed. How is music used? Why is it important? How does it impact us? How does it reflect our culture, history and faith? Students will learn to listen to music critically and recognize both the positive and negative influences it can have. They will also learn of the various instruments used to make music, primarily in the western tradition.

Concert Choir

Course Number:  MU028
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  Basic vocal and choral techniques will be employed on a daily basis. Students will explore music theory and sight-reading as a way of understanding the musical language. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed. A desire to learn and perform music to the best of their ability should motivate students to enroll in this class. Selections will be performed at concerts, liturgies and other outside events throughout the year. These performances are required.

Concert Choir Zero Hour

Course Number:  MU028Z
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  See Concert Choir description (above). This course begins at 7:10 a.m. and is held Tuesday – Friday.

Requirements for ALL Choirs: Men and Women are required to wear the pre-selected choir uniforms (black shirt, tuxedo pants, and dresses). All are required to have black shoes and black socks.

Senior Courses

Marching Band

Course Number:  MU025
Semester: 1
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  This course is available to all musicians who have actively studied an instrument and have attained a music proficiency level meeting the director’s standards set for incoming freshmen. This class consists of preparing for and executing several marching performances and the Christmas concert. Two full credits of Marching Band or Concert Band can be substituted for ½ credit of Physical Education.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks. All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall. Dates and times TBA.

Concert Band

Course Number:  MU026
Semester:  2
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  Marching Band and Director Permission
Course Description:  This class consists of learning to play concert music at a high intrinsic level. This will be achieved through careful indoor rehearsals and performances. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Basic music theory and some music history will also be instructed. Marching Band first semester is required. Concert performances are required.

Jazz Band

Course Number:  MU027
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Current member of Marching Band, Concert Band or Choir and Audition or Director Permission
Course Description:  Jazz Band students will further refine musical abilities through jazz on their primary or secondary instruments. Selections will be performed at concerts and at various events throughout the year. Jazz Band meets Mondays at 7:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 3:05 p.m. Auditions take place just after the beginning of the school year.

Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the preselected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black sock

Music Appreciation

Course Number:  MU018
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  From Bach to Pop, music is appreciated, researched and analyzed. How is music used? Why is it important? How does it impact us? How does it reflect our culture, history and faith? Students will learn to listen to music critically and recognize both the positive and negative influences it can have. They will also learn of the various instruments used to make music, primarily in the western tradition.

Concert Choir

Course Number:  MU028
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  Basic vocal and choral techniques will be employed on a daily basis. Students will explore music theory and sight-reading as a way of understanding the musical language. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed. A desire to learn and perform music to the best of their ability should motivate students to enroll in this class. Selections will be performed at concerts, liturgies and other outside events throughout the year. These performances are required.

Concert Choir Zero Hour

Course Number:  MU028Z
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: Credit Only (No grade assigned, course may be repeated)
Prerequisite:  Director Signature Required
Course Description:  See Concert Choir description (above). This course begins at 7:10 a.m. and is held Tuesday – Friday.

Requirements for ALL Choirs: Men and Women are required to wear the pre-selected choir uniforms (black shirt, tuxedo pants, and dresses). All are required to have black shoes and black socks.